Spoelstra Lauds Adelman’s Influence On His Career

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Miami Heat

MIAMI (AP) — Erik Spoelstra is hoping that Friday night isn’t the last time he coaches against Rick Adelman.

After all, Spoelstra says Adelman is at least partially responsible for him being a coach in the first place.

Before Miami faced Minnesota on Friday night, Spoelstra was asked about the influence Adelman had on his career, especially given that he grew up in Portland while Adelman was coaching the Trail Blazers.

Spoelstra says Adelman deserves the “utmost respect,” adding that seeing him coach in Portland made him think seriously about following that career path.

Adelman entered Friday’s game with 1,039 career wins. His future after this season has been the subject of speculation for months.